Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I am about 10 1/2 weeks pregnant, and CRAVING bacon, cheese, and fried chicken. Three things that I cannot have a ton of due to health issues, but I can substitute fried chicken and incorporate small amounts of bacon and cheese into the mix. Cravings are a cook's best friend! I get to test things out, alter recipes, and I'm forced to make "healthy" food now. It's absolutely amazing when my husband helps me in the kitchen, because I know now, more than ever, that he is concerned for my health and the health of our unborn child. For those of you that do not know me, and some of my family members that haven't seen me in a long time, I weighed 260 pounds when I found out that I am pregnant.. I will be keeping everyone up to date on my pregnancy, how my weight is doing, and including recipes that my husband and i have made (that you and your significant other can make, too) that are healthy, AND filling. I will also be including recipes that I've been touching up on for the last month or so.

For stuffed chicken breasts, you and your significant other will need a few very basic ingredients. This is one recipe that I DO NOT add seasonings to, as the flavors from the ingredients blend well together. I will also be including the recipe for my garlic-ranch mashed potatoes as the main side dish for this dinner. While you are preparing the chicken, your significant other can prepare the potatoes. The photos below are from the chicken breasts I made tonight, 5/2/10.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Makes 4 servings)

4 large and thick boneless/skinless chicken breasts

1 package bacon (any kind)

4 fresh slices mozzarella cheese

2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

Italian breadcrumbs

Preheat your oven to 450. While the oven is preheating, cut the bacon into small pieces. Have your significant other cook the bacon until it is crispy and gently remove from the pan. Leave the bacon grease in the pan. While your significant other is frying the bacon, gently butterfly the chicken breasts and place one slice of mozzarella cheese in each. Once the bacon is done, split between all four chicken breasts. Fold over and secure with kitchen string or toothpicks. In the hot bacon grease, lightly brown both sides of the breasts. Transfer into a deep baking dish, and cover with cream of chicken soup. I use one can per 2 breasts. Place in the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes is up, have your significant other gently remove the string or toothpicks and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the chicken while you are preparing the mashed potatoes (below) and place back in the oven for 20 minutes. The last thing you need to do is broil the chicken until the crumbs are golden brown. Take out and enjoy!

While your significant other is working with the chicken, dice the potatoes and boil until soft. Once softened, strain and place in a bowl. Place all the butter into the bowl and begin mixing with a hand-mixer. Add the packet of ranch mix, milk, parsley, oregano, onion powder, pepper, and mix. Start off with two tablespoons of the garlic powder, and add more to taste. Add more milk as needed. Serve hot.

Enjoy this meal with friends, family, and most importantly, your significant other!!

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Ronni R. Byrd was born in Baltimore, MD in May of 1988. She spent the first 10 years of her life living in Baltimore, then moved to GA. She moved back to Baltimore in 2007 to make it her permanent residence. She has been cooking since the age of 7, when she tried her hand at deep fried pancakes. Since then, she has tried many things in the kitchen, but her favorite thing to do is cook with her spouse and children, and she no longer tries to deep fry anything that shouldn't be deep fried! You can reach Ronni at ronni.murray@yahoo.com.